A job interview at Goldman Sachs

I’m sure lots of people have had strange experiences while searching for and interviewing for jobs. People who do the recruiting and interviewing of job candidates often have funny stories to tell. Sometimes I wonder though, if other people looking for a job have had anything similar to mine.

Once I went on an interview for a job as a college recruiter, with Goldman Sachs. This particular office was in lower Manhattan. The director of college recruiting was a guy named Mike Lowenthal. At the start of the interview he mused, “There’s mostly women working in college recruiting.” Hmm, maybe this gives me an edge, I thought. He didn’t ask me any questions though. He just rambled on for a couple of minutes about Goldman Sachs. Suddenly, he looked past me (his office was surrounded by windows).  He stood up, grabbed a stack of what look to be like tickets to a game or concert wrapped with elastic bands, and raced out the door. I turned around, but he had already fled down one of the hallways, disappearing from sight.

So I sat there for a few minutes, wondering what I should do. Wait until he comes back? Leave now? It started to dawn on me that I wasn’t going to get this job even if I stayed, so I was about to go when a girl named Kim walked in.

“Mike had to go, but I’ll finish the interview,” she said brightly. Then she proceeded to talk a little about the job. She didn’t ask me any questions, or ask if I had any questions about th position. She did talk at length about the bars in the area and how everyone in the department liked to go out for drinks after work.

After a few minutes she stood up and held out her hand. “It was nice to meet you,” she said.  For some reason I said thank you, nice to meet you too, instead of saying what I really felt, which was, why did you even bother to call me in….

I’ve thought that maybe they didn’t like the way I looked. If that’s the case, and I’m sure some interviewers consider that above all else (although they would never admit it), why not ask for a picture? A photograph with the resume on the back. It would save us all a lot of time and money. By looks, I mean beyond the blue suit/white shirt/red tie/polished shoes/clean shaven appearance.

Who knows. Maybe this isn’t as ridiculous as some others’ experiences. It feels like it was a waste of time and energy. On the other hand it’s given me something to write about, so maybe it wasn’t a total loss. Stay tuned for upcoming stories about job search…

The best Second Basemen in New York Yankee history

One of the keys to championship baseball in the major leagues is the double play. Since the second baseman is involved in more double plays than anyone else, this is a pretty important position.

A second baseman who can play great defense as well as hit for power and/or average can make a good team great, since the best hitters tend to play other positions. The Yankees have had their share of second basemen who were excellent hitters as well as top-notch fielders.

Based on factors such as longevity with the team, contributions to championships, offensive statistics, and defensive statistics, here are the top five in franchise history:

5) Robinson Cano: During nine years and 1,374 games in pinstripes Cano hit .309 with  204 homers and 822 RBI's. He was five time All Star and a Gold Glove winner in 2010.

4) Bobby Richardson: Winner of five Gold Gloves and named to seven all star teams, Richardson played in 1,412 games during his 12 seasons with the team, contributing to Yankee championship teams in the early 1960's. His .266 lifetime batting average is respectable, but his real value was as a consistent defender (.979 fielding average, slightly higher than the league average of .978) who rarely missed a game.

3) Joe Gordon: Selected to the Hall of Fame in 2009 by the Veterans Committee, Gordon played 1,000 games at second base during his seven seasons with the Yanks, from 1938-1946 (missing two seasons while serving in the military during World War II). Named an all star for six consecutive years, Gordon won the MVP award in 1942 when he batted .322 with 18 home runs and 103 runs batted in. Gordon's fielding average was .970, about the same as the league average at the time of .971.

2) Willie Randolph: Appearing in 1,694 games during his 13 seasons with the team, Randolph's batting average was .275 and his on-base percentage was an excellent .374. He ranks fifth in team history with 1,005 walks and third in stolen bases with 251. Contributing to the team's championship years in the late 1970's and early 1980's and a five time All Star, Randolph was a steady defender, with his .980 fielding percentage and range factor of 5.40 comparing favorably with the league averages of the time, which were .980 and 5.31.

1) Tony Lazzeri: Inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1991, Lazzeri appeared in 1,659 games during his 12 seasons with the Yanks. From 1926-1937 he averaged .293 with an on base percentage of .379, and had more than 100 RBI's in seven seasons. His fielding percentage of .967 is close to the league average of .968 - a time period when gloves weren't as sophisticated as today. Lazzeri was a key player on five World Championship teams and the best second baseman in Yankees' history.

The best seasons for players on offense for the Minnesota Vikings

Many players who have been a part of the of the Minnesota Vikings offense through the years have had spectacular statistical seasons. Since, for the average fan, it is difficult to measure how good a season a lineman has had, here we take a look at the "skill" positions on offense. Statistics, honors such as being named to the Pro Bowl, and the team's overall success during the season were considered. Also, since some players, such as Chuck Foreman, have had a number of great seasons, this article includes only one season for a player.

Here are the top ten:

10) Tommy Kramer, QB, 1981: The second-best quarterback in Vikings' history completed 322 passes in 593 attempts for 3,912 yards, and tossed 26 touchdowns, his career high.

9) Anthony Carter, WR, 1988: A.C. caught 72 balls for 1,225 yards, both career highs, for a 17 yard per catch average. He scored 6 touchdowns. 

8) Ahmad Rashad, WR, 1979: Catching 80 balls for 1,156 yards and 9 touchdowns, all career highs, Rashad was named to the Pro Bowl.  

7) Sammy White, WR, 1976: One of the few rookies ever to start for coach Bud Grant, White had 51 receptions for 906 yards, a 17.8 yard per catch average, and scored 10 touchdowns on his way to the Pro Bowl.

6) Fran Tarkenton, QB, 1975: Named the NFL's Most Valuable Player during this season, Tarkenton completed 273 passes in 475 attempts, a 64.2% completion rate. He threw for 2,994 yards and 25 touchdowns, and scored two rushing touchdowns as well.

5) Randy Moss, WR, 2003: With 111 receptions for 1,632 yards, both career highs, Moss averaged 14.7 yards per catch and scored 17 touchdowns while being selected to the Pro Bowl.

4) Cris Carter, WR, 1995: The Vikings' all-time best receiver caught 122 passes for 1,371 yards and 17 touchdowns, all career highs. This season included one of his nine Pro Bowls. 

3) Adrian Peterson, RB, 2012: On 348 carries Peterson ran through, over, around, and past defenders on his way to 2,097 yards, second best in NFL history. Peterson averaged an amazing 6.0 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns. He also had 40 receptions and another score while being named to the Pro Bowl and unanimous first team All-Pro. 

2) Bill Brown, RB, 1964: Rushing for a career high 866 yards on 226 carries Brown scored 7 touchdowns on the ground while being named to the Pro Bowl. He also caught 48 passes for 703 yards, a 14.6 yard average, pretty good for a running back, as well as taking 9 in for scores, giving him 16 total touchdowns in a 14 game season.  

1) Chuck Foreman, RB, 1975: Scoring 13 touchdowns while rushing for 1,070 yards on 280 carries, Foreman also caught 73 passes for 691 yards and another 9 scores, giving him 22 total touchdowns in a 14 game season. He was named first team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.




source for statistics: www.pro-football-reference.com

Who were the most over-rated Minnesota Vikings of all time?

Sometimes coaches and general managers draft or trade for players who they think will put their team "over the top" and lead them to a Super Bowl. It doesn't always work out that way though. Here are some of the Vikings who were not worth the high draft pick or the trade that brought them to Minnesota.


10) Warren Moon, QB: Another one of Dennis Green's silly decisions, bringing in a washed up quarterback and the end of his career, in the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle. Didn't work out, as Moon's three years in Minnesota resulted in a big nothing.

9) E.J Henderson, LB: Started a lot of games for the Vikings but never really lived up to the hype that accompanied him coming out of college. Was basically an average linebacker, and never dominated opponents.

8) Randall Cunningham, QB: Only had a great year in 1998 because he was surrounded by other outstanding players on offense, and had coach Brian Billick calling the plays. Choked in the team's NFC championship game, and there's no way he should have been kept on for the 1999 season over QB Brad Johnson.

7) Darrin Nelson, RB: A much heralded first round pick in 1982, Nelson did not become a standout running back the team had envisioned. He never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season and wasn't very explosive, averaging only 8.8 yards per reception, 8.0 yards per punt return, and 22.4 yards on kick returns. The Vikings passed up Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen to take Nelson. Big mistake.

6) Mark Mullaney, DE: Although he played in 151 games and started 97 in his 12 years with the team, Mullaney didn't seem to learn much from playing behind great ends Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. He never came close to being even an average pass rusher, let alone one that was worth a first round selection. A symbol of the Vikes' mediocrity from 1979 through the mid-1980's.

5) James White, DT: Although a first round draft pick, White didn't exactly turn out to be the next Alan Page. Started 61 games for Bud Grant during his eight years with the team. Not sure why Grant cut Page, thus making White the regular RDT; Bud must have been an optimist. White didn't even make Les Steckel's 1984 mess of team, being waived at the end of training camp.

4) David Palmer, WR: Before the start of each season coach Dennis Green would rave about "his" 1994 second round pick Palmer. What did Palmer produce in his seven year career? A mere 9.9 yard average on punt returns, only 22.6 yards on kickoffs, and no more than 26 receptions in a season, with a career average of 8.6 yards per catch. Whee!

3) Duante Culpepper, QB: Culpepper only had two good years (2000 & 2004) but was still named to many "50 Greatest Vikings of All Time" lists. Why? He was mediocre most of the time and hardly worthy of a first round draft pick. He's just another one of Denny Green's "guys" who never panned out.

2) Bryant McKinnie, OT: Why was this guy named to some Greatest Vikings of All-Time lists? McKinnie was reliable but was never a standout. The team has had other offensive tackles who were much better players.

1) Herschel Walker, RB: Obviously wasn't worth what the Vikings gave up for him. Never even rushed for a thousand yards once in his three years with the team. What a disaster.

New baseball book available at Amazon.com

New baseball book for middle grade readers: The Perfect Game

THE PERFECT GAME is a novel for middle grade readers. It is about a twelve year old boy’s roller coaster experience while playing one season of organized baseball.

It is available in Kindle at Amazon for 99 cents, as well as at Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.

Click here for details: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Game-Christopher-J-ebook/dp/B007R8G6AG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1416258192&sr=1-1&keywords=the+perfect+game+christopher+j

Joey Coltasanti, nicknamed “the professor” by his father, is ambivalent about playing his last year in summer league. A shortstop, he loves baseball and longs to realize his dream of making the town’s all-star team, and then winning enough games to advance to the state’s world series. However to reach this goal he must overcome his own anxiety that blocks his talent from shining through on the field.

Internal concerns are not the only obstacles in Joey’s path. He also has to deal with Mr. K, the coach of his team for the past two years. Mr. K uses sarcasm and intimidation with his players, as well as favoring his own son over Joey and his teammates. Added to the mix is Joey’s new neighbor and friend, twelve year old Mindi. A saxophone-playing member of Mensa, she is also a pitcher in the summer league who mows down opposing hitters with a blazing fastball and pinpoint control.

Joey decides to play, with events during early season contests testing his will to continue. Eventually a tumultuous game involving adults who can’t seem to grow up leads to changes in the league. A benevolent new coach arrives in town, and things begin to turn around for Joey and his underdog teammates. Eventually joining forces with Mindi on the all-star team, Joey moves closer to fulfilling his dream.

Advancing to the state’s world series means finding innovative ways to win pressure packed games, which leads to Joey confronting his fears on the field. Ultimately he learns more about winning, losing, and the exciting game that is baseball.

Girardi needs to give better answers at his press conferences

It's going to be a long summer for Yankees' manager Joe Girardi. "I don't believe guys forget to hit in a year" has been his stock answer to reporters after games this season. I guess he doesn't want to admit that maybe the real answer is "Some guys' skills erode in a year and they can't do it anymore."

Carlos Beltran has been hampered by a bad elbow. Still, it's hard to make excuses for a guy who has a .155 batting average with runners in scoring position. Brian McCann was never as good as Yankee brass insisted - comparing him to Thurman Munson was unfair, since McCann has never hit .300 and driven in 100 runs or more for three years in a row like Munson did.

Alfonso Soriano just isn't same player anymore; neither is Brian Roberts, Derek Jeter, or Ichiro Suzuki. To expect these guys to hit like they did ten years ago is unrealistic. It isn't that they have forgotten how to hit. It's just that they can't do it the same way anymore due to their advancing age.

The Yankees came into the night with 326 runs scored, 20th in the majors. You are what your record says you are, so unless guys start hitting a lot better, their current 41-41 record will be 81-81 when the 2014 season comes to a close.

What is the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, anyway?

Who is the New Jersey Council of County Colleges?  And what do they do, anyway?

There’s a bill in the New Jersey state legislature that would allow the county colleges to not be required to join the council and pay the estimated $90,000 per year in annual dues. Instead the colleges could spend that money to lobby legislators on their own, or not spend it at all. Either way, taxpayers and students are on the hook, since that’s where all the money for the county colleges comes from. State taxes, students paying on their own, and federal funds that are given to students in the form of financial aid.

You’d think that the state legislators would be intelligent enough to provide sufficient funds to the county colleges to operate. I guess that isn’t the case, since taxpayers and students have to pay lobbyists to fight for their cause in the state capitol of Trenton.

Too many lobbyists, not enough common sense.  But what else is new?

New baseball book for middle grade readers: The Perfect Game

THE PERFECT GAME is a novel for middle grade readers. It is about a twelve year old boy’s roller coaster experience while playing one season of organized baseball. It is available in Kindle at Amazon for 99 cents, as well as at Smashwords and Barnes & Noble.

Joey Coltasanti, nicknamed “the professor” by his father, is ambivalent about playing his last year in summer league. A shortstop, he loves baseball and longs to realize his dream of making the town’s all-star team, and then winning enough games to advance to the state’s world series. However to reach this goal he must overcome his own anxiety that blocks his talent from shining through on the field.

Internal concerns are not the only obstacles in Joey’s path. He also has to deal with Mr. K, the coach of his team for the past two years. Mr. K uses sarcasm and intimidation with his players, as well as favoring his own son over Joey and his teammates. Added to the mix is Joey’s new neighbor and friend, twelve year old Mindi. A saxophone-playing member of Mensa, she is also a pitcher in the summer league who mows down opposing hitters with a blazing fastball and pinpoint control.

Joey decides to play, with events during early season contests testing his will to continue. Eventually a tumultuous game involving adults who can’t seem to grow up leads to changes in the league. A benevolent new coach arrives in town, and things begin to turn around for Joey and his underdog teammates. Eventually joining forces with Mindi on the all-star team, Joey moves closer to fulfilling his dream.

Advancing to the state’s world series means finding innovative ways to win pressure packed games, which leads to Joey confronting his fears on the field. Ultimately he learns more about winning, losing, and the exciting game that is baseball.

The best Catchers in Major League Baseball history

The position of catcher is the most demanding position in the sport, both physically and mentally. So to have a player who can sustain a high level of achievement at the position is rare. Below is a ranking of the top 21 Catchers in major league baseball history, based on both offensive and defensive statistics.

 

 

The best Catchers in major league baseball history:

 

21) Rick Dempsey:  A four-decade major leaguer, Dempsey had a .988 fielding percentage and threw out 40% of runners attempting to steal while catching 1,633 games from 1969-1992. He was the MVP of the 1983 World Series.

 

20) Ray Schalk: A member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Schalk caught 1,727 games from 1912-1929, with a .981 fielding percentage and 49% caught stealing rate, higher than the league averages at the time of .976 and 44%. 

 

19) Ted Simmons: An eight time All Star while catching 1,771 games from 1968-1988, Simmons had a fielding percentage of .987 and threw out 34% of runners, while batting .285 with 248 home runs and 1,389 RBI’s in his career.

 

18) Brad Ausmus:  Ausmus caught 1,998 games for four teams from 1993-2010, winning three Gold Gloves. His career fielding percentage was .994 and caught stealing rate was 35%.

 

17) Mike Piazza: A twelve time All Star, Piazza has a fielding percentage of .989 and threw out 23% of attempted basestealers while catching 1,630 games from 1992-2007, but his value lay in his bat. He has a career average of .308 with 427 home runs and 1,335 RBI’s.

 

16) Jorge Posada:  A five time All Star, Posada batted .273 with 275 homers and 1,065 RBI's, in 16 seasons. He caught 1,574 games with a .992 fielding percentage and a 28% caught stealing rate.

 

15) Elston Howard:  A nine time All Star and winner of the 1963 American League MVP award, Howard caught 1,138 games and had a fielding percentage of .993 and a 44% caught stealing rate.

 

14) Jim Sundberg: A three time All Star and winner of six Gold Gloves, Sundberg had a .993 fielding percentage and threw out 41% of runners attempting to steal, while catching 1,927 games from 1974-1989.

 

13) Bob Boone: Winner of seven Gold Gloves and a four time All Star, Boone caught 2,225 games from 1972-1990, with a .986 fielding percentage and caught stealing rate of 40%. He batted .311 in 36 post season games.

 

12) Lance Parrish:  Catching 1,818 games from 1977-1995, Parrish won three Gold Gloves and was named to 8 All Star teams. He had a fielding percentage of .991, and threw out 39% of attempted base stealers. Parrish also hit 324 home runs and drove in 1,070 runs.

 

11) Carlton Fisk: During a 24 year career Fisk caught 2,226 games with a fielding percentage of .988 while throwing out 34% of base stealers. He batted .269 with 376 home runs and 1,330 RBI’s.  Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.

 

10) Thurman Munson:  Winner of the 1970 Rookie of the Year Award, and named the American League MVP in 1976, Munson was a seven time All Star selection and winner of three Gold Gloves. He threw out 44% of base runners attempting to steal, and  hit .373 and drove in 12 runs in 16 World Series games. Munson caught 1,278 games in eleven seasons.

 

9) Mickey Cochrane: A two time All Star, Cochrane was named American League MVP in 1928 and 1934. He has a career batting average of .320 with a .419 on-base percentage. He threw out 39% of basestealers while catching 1,421 games in 13 seasons. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947.

 

8) Gary Carter: Winner of three Gold Gloves and an eleven time All Star, Carter had a fielding percentage of .991 and caught 35% of attempted basestealers while catching 2,056 games in 20 seasons.  Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

 

7) Ernie Lombardi: A seven time All Star and winner of the 1938 National League MVP award, Lombardi caught 1,544 games in 17 seasons. He had a .306 career batting average and threw out 47% of attempted base stealers. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986.

 

6) Gabby Hartnett: Catching 1,793 games in 20 seasons, Hartnett led the National League catchers in caught stealing percentage six times, with a career mark of 56%. A six time All Star, he had a career batting average of .297 and won the 1935 National League MVP award.  Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.

 

5) Roy Campanella: Named the National League MVP in 1951, 1953, and 1955, Campanella was named to eight All Star teams. He threw out 57% of basestealers while catching 1,183 games in 10 seasons. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.

 

4) Bill Dickey:  An eleven time All Star, Dickey's threw out 47% of runners attempting to steal. In 17 years Dickey had a .313 batting average and caught 1,708 games, while contributing to seven Yankees’ world championships in the 1930's and early 1940's. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1954.

 

3) Ivan Rodriguez: A thirteen time Gold Glove winner and fourteen time All Star, Rodriguez won the 1999 American League MVP award.  Catching 2,427 games in 21 seasons, he threw out 46% of runners attempting to steal.

 

2) Johnny Bench: Winner of ten Gold Gloves and a fourteen time All Star, Bench won the National League MVP award in 1970 and 1972. Catching 1,742 games in 17 seasons, he threw out 43% of basestealers and had a .267 average, 389 home runs, and 1,376 RBI’s. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.

 

1) Yogi Berra:  Selected to the All Star team 15 times, Berra won the American League MVP award in 1951, 1954, and 1955. He caught 1,699 games in 19 seasons and threw out 49% of basestealers to go along with a .285 career batting average, 358 home runs, and 1,430 RBI’s. Selected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

 

 

 

source for statistics: www.baseball-reference.com

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Online Dating Sites: what girls need to know

As a guy who has been trying to meet women through all the various dating sites that exist - and there are many - a few things have caught my attention about some girls and their online profiles.

Sometimes when I click the “who’s viewed me” link on a site it displays a profile without a picture. Think about it, why would I write to someone who didn’t post a photograph - other than to ask them to add a picture to their profile. If I wanted to go on a blind date (which I don’t) I wouldn’t be on a dating site to begin with. If you want to meet someone, put your picture online. Your friends and co-workers already know that you’re single so what difference does it make if they see your picture? Plus, they probably won’t - you have to register with a site and create your own profile to search through a site, and let’s be real - most married people aren’t going to waste their time with it. They’re just glad that they aren’t single like you. Unless they want to cheat on their significant other, which is another story altogether.

Try to follow some the basics for photos…don’t post blurry pictures, tiny pictures that are hard to see, shots where you’ve cut out your ex-boyfriend, or pictures taken in a mirror. These don’t help your cause. Also, don’t post any photos of landscapes, ocean waves, or European ruins unless you are in them. If I wanted to admire the earth or artwork I wouldn’t be looking at an online dating site.

I don’t really need to see pictures of all of your friends, family, and children, either.  Are you asking these folks if they’re OK with it? And, is it really a good idea to have your kids’ pictures plastered on a website?  One or two shots with friends is OK but there’s no need to post 10 pictures of you drinking with your girlfriends.

Here’s a question for some girls: why do you post a picture where you’re wearing sunglasses? We can’t see your face, obviously. What are you trying to hide? Your eyes can’t be that hideous. Most girls have nice eyes. Show them.

A memo to overweight girls: it’s obvious if you’re just showing your face - if your picture or pictures are just headshots - we know that you’re overweight. You aren’t fooling anyone. A guy who isn’t into bigger women isn’t going to write to you anyway, so you might as well post a photo where we can see all of you.  If you don’t feel good about your weight, try diet and exercise programs. They can work.

Some other musings about profiles, other than pictures…

Question for girls 5’0” tall and under: why are you looking for men that are at least 6 feet tall?  I find this odd. Is 5’11” too short?  Then, some girls who are 5’10” are willing to meet a guy who is an inch or two shorter than they are, at 5-9 or 5-8. Someone explain this to me.

Don’t write your profile in all CAPS. It doesn’t take a long time to tap the shift key.
Don’t write a profile that is almost as long as a short story.  We don’t need to know your entire life story right off the bat.

On the other hand don’t write two sentences, or “e-mail me to find out more.” Put at least a little effort into writing something.

Don’t send winks, smiles, or whatever the site calls them. If you’re interested in my profile write a message and let me know why you’re interested.  And, if you don’t fit what I’m looking for, at least explain why you’re hoping I’m going to overlook it and write back to you.

I’m sure I’m leaving some things out, but there’s always time to write more…